All roofs will reach the end of their lifespan at some point in time. However, some homeowners put off the urgent need to re-roof until roof leaks start to appear and this costs them more. In some cases, it’s also acceptable to call for roof repair instead. There are several factors that may warrant either roof repair or replacement. If you’re having trouble determining which path to take, this brief guide will help you make the right decisions.
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1. The roof’s age is a critical factor to consider. For example, roof shingles are designed to last 20 to 35 years, depending on material. If sharp-hitting hail caused dings in asphalt shingles but the structural integrity of the roof remained intact, a repair may be acceptable. But if the roof is approaching its 20th year, it will be more vulnerable to granule loss so replacing it may be the smarter decision.
2. If there’s a leak in the roof, call for an inspection immediately. Water typically seeps in through broken or missing shingles, or through corroded flashing around the vents or chimneys. If the damage is widespread and leaks are coming from multiple places, a roof replacement may be needed.
3. Installing new shingles over old ones is an ineffective way to repair your roof. Removing the old roof will allow you to discover if the roof deck or sheathing is in bad condition and needs thorough attention. Moreover, the additional weight of new shingles will pose severe stress on the roofing system and may even cause it to collapse.
4. If you’re planning to sell your home, consider if your roof is still in tip-top shape. Expert roofing companies may suggest to have repairs done instead of opting for the longer-term solution. A newly refurbished roof is reported to significantly increase home resale value.
Make the right call for your home. Turn to Expert Contracting, a premier source of high quality roofing and siding solutions. Call us at (716) 508-3700 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve customers in and around Williamsville, NY.